Dog owners and their best friends are set to benefit from 17 new dog parks to be rolled out across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria thanks to a $2.5 million dollar investment from the Victorian Government.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced $85,000 in funding for a new off leash dog park at Henty Park in Portland – giving dog lovers even more dedicated areas to socialise and exercise their pets.
This investment complements the $154 million investment through the established Suburban Parks Program to create 6,500 hectares of public open space, including parkland and new trails, plus 25 pocket parks and 16 off leash dog parks across Melbourne.
Each new dog park will be designed to meet the needs of the site and the local community. This type of purpose-built community infrastructure is designed specifically for dogs and their owners and the dog parks may include a variety of elements such as ball play areas, natural rummaging environments, education and agility equipment as well as shelters and seating.
The 17 dogs parks funded under this stimulus package are in addition to the 16 already announced, bringing the total number of new dog parks to 33.
The funding forms part of the Victorian Government’s Building Works package, providing $2.7 billion towards shovel-ready projects – big and small – to get thousands of people back to work.
The Government will work in partnership with Glenelg Shire Council to establish the new dog park. Construction is anticipated to commence in December 2020.
For information regarding this investment and the Suburban Parks Program visit: environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“This is great news for our community of dog lovers who will soon have access to designated parkland to exercise their pets with other like-minded people – and the community as a whole will be able to enjoy more open green spaces.”
“Dog parks offer many social, physical and psychological benefits – for both owner and pet. I am pleased that Portland locals and visitors can bring their beloved pooch to a safe and fun space.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Now more than ever, we realise the value of having open green space close to where we live and these new dog parks will deliver that for communities across Victoria.”
